Here is my take on what both bodies should prioritize immediately:
With the June 2026 engineering survey confirming that the Dunmore Landfill has 1.9 additional years of capacity (pushing forced closure into 2028), the County Commission and the Solid Waste Authority (PCSWA) have been given a crucial operational breathing room.
They must use this window to fix structural governance, stabilize revenue, and craft an open, competitive long-term plan rather than rushing into a high-cost third-party lease.
1. Issue an Open, Broad Request for Proposals (RFP)
During their July 22, 2026 meeting, the PCSWA voted to open a 45-day window for new RFPs published across regional media outlets.
Expand Beyond Option 4: The RFP must solicit bids not just for third-party lease-to-own transfer stations, but for direct county construction, inter-county regional partnerships, and competitive multi-facility long-haul contracts.
Independent Cost-Benefit Modeling: Require all bidders to submit transparent, unbundled line items for per-ton tipping fees, haul rates, and maintenance guarantees so the county can compare private models against a county-owned transfer station financed by federal grants.
2. Allocate Federal PILT Funds to Lower Resident Fees
The County Commission receives significant annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) revenue from federal Monongahela National Forest acreage.
Dedicated Subsidy Resolution: The Commission should immediately pass a resolution dedicating a fixed percentage (e.g., 10%–15%) of annual PILT receipts directly to an Environmental & Sanitation Infrastructure Fund.
Offsetting Green Box Fees: Directing PILT funds toward the Solid Waste Authority's fixed capital overhead will immediately prevent the mandatory Green Box fee from spiking to $310–$350/year for fixed-income residents.
3. Fix the Billing System & Revenue Collection
The PCSWA's new billing system has experienced ongoing technical delays that have stalled routine invoicing.
Restore Billing Operations: Priority one is resolving the software/billing software bottleneck so annual Green Box statements can be issued accurately and on time.
Extend Early-Pay Discounts: The Authority recently extended the early-pay discount deadline from September to November 15, 2026. They must publicize this extension widely so compliant residents aren't penalized by administrative delays.
Systematize Delinquency Recovery: With over 156 magistrate cases already yielding ~$12,000 in recovered fees, the Authority should continue enforcing collections under WV Code §22C-4-10 while offering fair, structured payment plans for low-income households.
4. Secure Federal & State Infrastructure Grants
With the landfill's closing date pushed to 2028, the county now has time to apply for non-dilutive capital grants rather than taking on high-interest private debt.
USDA Rural Development Grants: Apply immediately for USDA Water & Waste Disposal grants and low-interest loans to cover transfer station site prep, concrete pads, and compaction buildings.
WV DEP & Solid Waste Management Board Grants: Submit matching grant applications to the WV DEP Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) and the WV Solid Waste Management Board for rolling stock (walking-floor trailers) and expanded recycling infrastructure.
5. Implement Green Box Access Control & C&D Diversion
To reduce variable haul costs before the landfill closes, the PCSWA must curb site abuse:
Commercial & Out-of-County Audit: Unstaffed Green Boxes suffer from illegal commercial dumping and out-of-county use. Installing solar-powered CCTV surveillance and electronic scan-card gates will protect residential capacity.
Material Separation at Dunmore: Establish mandatory sorting for Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris and yard waste at the Dunmore site immediately. Diverting heavy lumber, masonry, and brush away from transfer trailers saves both fuel costs and per-ton destination tipping fees.
Immediate Action Matrix
| Entity | Immediate Task (30–60 Days) | High-Value Outcome |
| Pocahontas SWA | Publish the 45-day broad RFP & fix billing software | Drives competitive pricing & restores predictable cash flow |
| County Commission | PLEDGE PILT funds to subsidize solid waste debt service | Prevents drastic residential Green Box fee increases |
| Joint Task Force | Apply for USDA Rural Infrastructure & WV DEP grants | Secures non-repayable capital for a county-owned transfer pad |
| SWA / Counsel | Continue magistrate court delinquency reviews with payment plans | Recovers lost revenue fairly without bankrupting low-income residents |
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